That loss – the last match of his decorated career – really hurt and it ruined his Christmas.

As he trundled out of the Ally Pally exit door, the crestfallen star told reporters: "I’ll hate myself every single day."

But rejuvenated Barney is beginning to smile again thanks to his new love as he finalises his divorce from wife Silvia after more than 25 years of marriage.

Barney, 52, said: “I was convinced I’d have a good run in the world championships even though the whole year had been poor.

“When I was beaten by Darin it felt like the floor was gone under my feet. I thought: ‘Wow, this isn’t happening.’

“I gave a stupid interview to Sky Sports. I was devastated. This was my only and last chance ever. I couldn’t forgive myself.

I said to myself: ‘Ray, this needs to stop. You still have a fantastic life, had a fantastic career, a lovely new girlfriend, kids and family.’ Three months later, I feel more energised, I don’t play with stress anymore.

Raymond van Barneveld

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All-time great darts rivals Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld will be meeting again - in the virtual worldCredit: PA:Press Association

“Later that month I stayed with my girlfriend Julia in London. I was really depressed with Christmas as well. Never happy.

“Julia helped me through it. On January 1, I said to myself: ‘Ray, this needs to stop. You still have a fantastic life, had a fantastic career, a lovely new girlfriend, kids and family.’

“I said now we’ll stop this – and show them the new better Ray in 2020.

“Three months later, I feel more energised, I don’t play with stress anymore.”

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Raymond van Barneveld and new girlfriend Julia Evans on holiday last yearCredit: Instagram

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Van Barneveld, 52, is seventeen years older than his new partnerCredit: Instagram

What was supposed to be a farewell 2019 tour turned into a nightmare.

He crashed out of the Premier League after getting battered twice in Rotterdam, lost at the worlds, and did not show any glimpses of his past self.

Barney said: “I wish I had stopped in March last year after being relegated in the Premier League. The rest of the year was really poor.

“I don’t miss the Tour. The travelling and playing tournaments – it was too much.

“I’m the worst loser in this darts world. I don’t want to play one or two rounds and then go home again. I’m not a person like that.

“I’d rather retire and sit home and watch the darts, do exhibitions. I’m a winner. I want to lift trophies.

“Going out in the first or second rounds – those moments are devastating and it kills me inside.

7

Darts legend Barney was with ex-wife Silvia for 25 years

My whole life, from when I was 16-17, was darts. Now I’m 52, and I see other things... I miss the adulation.

Raymond van Barneveld

“I’m the only one of two other players who have five or more world championships. The others are Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow. I’m proud of that.

“People say to me: ‘Ray, you are different now.’ Well, I’m more laidback.

“Normally I was always focused and had no time for others. Now I can be myself.

“My whole life, from when I was 16-17 years old, was darts, darts, darts. Now I’m 52, and I see other things.

“I can meet friends and see my family again. Have a nice weekend abroad or a holiday.

“I miss the adulation. I had a farewell night in Amsterdam on February 8.

“It was amazing. Robin van Persie and Rafael van der Vaart were there. They put me on their shoulders.

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“That’s how they see me in Holland – as a legend. It was an unbelievable, brilliant night.

“I wasn’t happy the PDC wasn’t there. Not even an email or thank you. And it wasn’t allowed on TV. That made me sad.”